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Courses - Spring 2023
ANSC
Animal Science
The following courses may involve the use of animals. Students who are concerned about the use of animals in teaching have the responsibility to contact the instructor, prior to course enrollment, to determine whether animals are to be used in the course, whether class exercises involving animals are optional or required and what alternatives, if any, are available.
ANSC101
Principles of Animal Science
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
A comprehensive overview of the application of biology in the care and use of animals that live in close association with humans including food animals, companion animals, lab animals, zoo animals, etc. The role of science in modern food production using animals will be emphasized.
ANSC103
Principles of Animal Science Laboratory
Credits: 1
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F
Prerequisite: Must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in ANSC101.
Restriction: Must be in one of the following programs (Environmental Sci & Pol-Environment & Agriculture; Agricultural and Veterinary Medicine; Agricultural Science and Technology) ; or must be in a major within the AGNR-Animal & Avian Sciences department; or permission of department required for students in other College of AGNR programs.
Laboratory focusing on the application of biology in the care and use of animals that live in close association with humans including livestock and companion animals. Labs will include live animals.
Students must pay a $50.00 laboratory materials fee.
ANSC105
(Perm Req)
Horse Care Practicum
Credits: 1
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F
Restriction: Permission of the instructor.
Credit only granted for: ANSC108 or ANSC105.
Formerly: ANSC108.
This practicum course provides the opportunity for students to be involved in the routine care of the horses housed at the Campus Farm including grooming, feeding, turnout, first aid, record-keeping, and cleaning. Practical skills are supplemented with online learning.
ANSC120
Introduction to Dairy Judging
Credits: 2
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Students will establish an understanding of dairy cattle anatomy and importance in dairy production, while gaining the ability to evaluate dairy cattle for soundness and show-ring appeal. Additionally, the class aims to provide students with confidence in justifying decisions of evaluation and gain confidence in public speaking.
ANSC210
Veterinary Terminology
Credits: 1
Grad Meth: Reg, Aud
Prerequisite: ANSC204 and ANSC205.
Restriction: Must be a major in Animal Sciences.
Additional information: The course is offered on-line through a series of self-paced modules on ELMS.
Students will learn terminology related to the clinical practice of small and large animal medicine including medical record terminology and a systems-based consideration of common practices and pathologies.
ANSC212
Applied Animal Physiology
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: ANSC211; or (ANSC204 and ANSC205); or students who have taken courses with comparable content may contact the department.
The physiology of domesticated animals with emphasis on functions related to homeostasis, and the physiological adaptation to environmental influences.
ANSC214
Applied Animal Physiology Laboratory
Credits: 1
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F
Prerequisite: Must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in ANSC212.
Application of physiological laboratory techniques to domestic and lab animals.
Students must pay a $50.00 lab materials fee.
ANSC227
Eating with Eyes Wide Open
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
GenEd: DSNS, SCIS
Are our diet and agricultural production methods sustainable? Students will investigate tensions created by trade-offs made by consumers relative to dietary choices which, in turn, can influence agricultural production methods. The course will inform students about their food supply so they can make informed dietary decisions and practice intentional/informed eating.
ANSC237
Equine Reproductive Management
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F
Prerequisite: ANSC232.
Credit only granted for: ANSC237 or INAG233.
Additional information: Course participation will include nightly checks of mares in the two weeks prior to parturition, and out-of-class time imprinting and working with newborn foals.
Students learn the fundamental skills necessary to manage an equine breeding herd including anatomy/physiology of genital tracts, estrus detection, manipulation of the estrous cycle, semen collection, pre- and post-foaling techniques, infertility, and health and nutrition of the mare, foal and stallion. Students will be required to spend ~ 30 hours during the spring semester caring for broodmares and foals and attending at least one foaling and estrous detection checks on broodmares outside of regularly scheduled class time.
Students must pay a $50.00 lab materials fee.
ANSC245
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C- in ANSC101 and ANSC103.
Restriction: Must be in one of the following programs (Animal Sciences: Animal Care & Management; Animal Sciences: Equine Studies; Animal Sciences: Laboratory Animal Care; Animal Sciences: Sciences/Preprofessional; Animal Sciences: Animal Biotechnology; Agricultural and Veterinary Medicine).
Credit only granted for: ANSC235 or ANSC245.
Popularly known as "Lamb Watch", this course provides an immersion environment for learning and understanding pre- and post-natal care of ewes and lambs through direct, hands-on involvement in the birthing process and care of the neonate through weaning on the campus farm. Course topics include zoonoses, basic reproductive physiology of the sheep, normal and abnormal parturition, management of lambs, qualitative assessment, breeding principles, nutrition, products and their marketing, and ram management.
Students must pay a $50.00 laboratory materials fee.
ANSC260
Laboratory Animal Management
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F
Prerequisite: ANSC101 and ANSC103.
Credit only granted for: ANSC260 or ANSC413.
Formerly: ANSC413.
A comprehensive course in care and management of laboratory animals. Topics covered include regulations governing the use of animals in research, laboratory animal facility design and management, animal research models, animal health management and husbandry, responsibilities of lab animal workers and career opportunities in the field. Hands-on labs focus on lab animal handling, husbandry and common techniques. Field trips are required, and you must attend a minimum number of field trips which will be held during lab time.
Students must pay a $50.00 lab materials fee.
ANSC282
Grazing Animal Management
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F
Prerequisite: ANSC101 and ANSC103; or permission of instructor.
Credit only granted for: ANSC110, ANSC282, or INAG116.
Formerly: ANSC110.
For students interested in acquiring knowledge and skills in pasture management, grazing management of livestock (large and small ruminants, horses), and hay production. Fundamental information regarding best management practices for soils, plants, and grazing livestock will be covered
ANSC315
Applied Animal Nutrition
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: ANSC314.
Elements of nutrition, source characteristics and adaptability of various feedstuffs to several classes of livestock. A study of the composition of feeds, nutrient requirements and computerized formulation of economic diets and rations for livestock.
Students must pay a $50.00 lab materials fee.
ANSC327
Molecular and Quantitative Animal Genetics
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: ANSC101, CHEM131, and ANSC103. And BSCI105; or (BSCI170 and BSCI171).
Classical, molecular, and population genetics with specific emphasis on animal systems will be covered. Also, disseminate information on molecular approaches for manipulating genetics at the whole animal level (transgenic and cloning). Other model organisms will be discussed to provide a conceptual framework.
ANSC330
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F
Prerequisite: ANSC232; or permission of instructor.
Recommended: ANSC212 and ANSC211.
Credit only granted for: ANSC230 or ANSC330.
Formerly: ANSC230.
Scientific principles of horse behavior, anatomy, physiology, locomotion, nutrition, reproduction, growth, health and disease as applied to horses are emphasized.
Students must pay a $50.00 laboratory materials fee.
ANSC340
Health Management of Animal Populations
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
GenEd: DSSP
Prerequisite: BSCI223; and (ANSC220, ANSC232, ANSC242, ANSC250, ANSC255, ANSC260, or ANSC262).
Recommended: ANSC212.
Credit only granted for: ANSC340 or ANSC412.
Formerly: ANSC412.
A study of common and emerging animal diseases and their prevention and control. The main focus will be on livestock and poultry diseases. However, zoonotic, wildlife, and laboratory animal diseases will also be discussed along with risk assessment, bioterrorism counter-measures, and animal welfare, especially as these topics interface or impact animals used in food production.
ANSC359
(Perm Req)
Internship Experience in Animal and Avian Sciences
Credits: 3 - 6
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F
GenEd: DSSP
Prerequisite: ANSC220, ANSC232, ANSC242, ANSC250, ANSC255, ANSC260, or ANSC262. Restriction: Must be in a major within the AGNR-Animal & Avian Sciences department; and permission of instructor.
ANSC379
(Perm Req)
Animal Science Undergraduate Teaching Assistant Seminar
Credits: 2
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F
ANSC388
(Perm Req)
ANSC389
(Perm Req)
Experiential Learning
Credits: 3 - 6
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F
Contact department for information to register for this course.
ANSC399
(Perm Req)
Special Problems in Animal Science
Credits: 1 - 2
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Contact department for information to register for this course.
ANSC435
Experimental Embryology
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
GenEd: DSSP
Prerequisite: ANSC212.
Recommended: Completion of one course in reproductive physiology is recommended.
Credit only granted for: ANSC435 or ANSC489M.
Formerly: ANSC489M.
Experimental approaches to mammalian embryology with emphasis on domestic livestock systems as applied to research and production systems. Lab will include hands-on experiments and demos of in vitro embryo production, embryo splitting, cell injection and nuclear transfer.
Students must pay a $50.00 lab materials fee.
ANSC436
Animal Health Policy and Communication
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F
Recommended: Completion of ANSC225 and ANSC340 recommend.
Restriction: Must be in a major within the AGNR-Animal & Avian Sciences department; or permission of AGNR-VA-MD Regional COL Veterinary Med.
Cross-listed with: VMSC436.
Credit only granted for: ANSC489A, ANSC436, or VMSC436.
Formerly: ANSC489A.
Intended for upper level students in Veterinary Medicine or Animal Science as well as other students who are interested in understanding how science and politics interact and influence animal health policy and how veterinarians and animal scientists can effectively communicate science to non-scientists such as legislators and policymakers.
ANSC440
Zoonotic Diseases and Control
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: BSCI223, ANSC212, ANSC327, BSCI222, BSCI421, or NFSC430; or students who have taken courses with comparable content may contact the department.
Credit only granted for: ANSC440 or ANSC489R.
Formerly: ANSC489R.
Global perspective of foodborne diseases common to animals and man, specifically those caused by farm animal-originated human pathogens (zoonoses) and their control. A selection of important zoonoses and food safety issues will be specifically covered with an emphasis on the principles of zoonotic disease transmission and control, risk factors to humans, and surveillance methods.
ANSC452
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: ANSC212.
Restriction: Junior standing or higher.
The digestive, excretory, respiratory, circulatory, immune, skeletal muscle, endocrine and nervous systems of avian species will be examined.
ANSC453
Animal Welfare and Bioethics
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: ANSC101 and ANSC103; or BSCI106; or (BSCI160 and BSCI161); or permission of instructor.
Restriction: Junior standing or higher.
Ethical concerns related to the use of animals in modern society. Historical and philosophical overview of animal welfare and bioethics. Applied ethical discussions on human/animal interrelationships, physical and genetic manipulation, and other current issues associated with the treatment of animals used in food production, research, zoos, and as pets.
ANSC454
Nutritional Aspects of Metabolic Disease
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: CHEM131 and ANSC101, or BSCI170; or students who have taken courses with comparable content may contact the department.
Credit only granted for: ANSC4890 or ANSC454.
Formerly: ANSC489O.
Biochemical and physiological fundamentals of nutrition. Discussion of protein, fat,carbohydrate, minerals and vitamins and their roles and interrelationships innutrition, metabolism and diseases in humans and animals. The course will use recommended texts for foundation material as well as research papers to provide in-depth coverage and illustrate emerging themes in metabolic aspects of nutrition and disease.
ANSC489
(Perm Req)
Current Topics in Animal Science
Credits: 1 - 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Contact department for information to register for this course.
ANSC624
Recent Advances in Animal and Avian Sciences
Credits: 1
Grad Meth: Reg
Restriction: Must be an Animal Sciences graduate student.
Credit only granted for: ANSC698C or ANSC624.
Formerly: ANSC698C.
Seminar course in advanced animal science research.
ANSC627
Molecular and Quantitative Genetics
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, Aud
Classical, molecular, and population genetics with specific emphasis on animal systems will be covered. Also, disseminate information on molecular approaches for manipulating genetics at the whole animal level (transgenic and cloning). Other model organisms will be discussed to provide a conceptual framework.
ANSC630
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, Aud
One semester course covering the biochemical fundamentals of animal metabolism and physiology by four ANSC faculty members. Topics include structure and function of biomolecules such as carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, and proteins; enzyme kinetics, cofactors & coenzymes; and metabolic pathways including glycolysis, TCA cycle, electron-transport chain, fatty acid and amino acid metabolic pathways. Coordinated metabolic regulation of carbohydrates, lipids and amino acids in multiple organs including intestine, liver, muscle, adipose and mammary glands is also covered, as well as changes induced by environmental and pathophysiological factors.
ANSC660
Poultry Literature
Credits: 1 - 4
Grad Meth: Reg, Aud
Readings on individual topics are assigned. Written reports required. Methods of analysis and presentation of scientific material are discussed.
Contact department for information to register for this course.
ANSC688G
Special Topics; Animal Biotechnology Recombinant DNA Laboratory
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, Aud
ANSC688J
Special Topics; Zoonotic Diseases and Control
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, Aud
Prerequisites: BSCI223; recommended NFSC430; or permission of instructor.

Lectures will take a global perspective of foodborne diseases common to animals and man, specifically those caused by farm animal-originated human pathogens (zoonoses) and their control. A selection of important zoonoses and food safety issues will be specifically covered with an emphasis on the principles of zoonotic disease transmission and control, risk factors to humans, and surveillance mehtods.
ANSC688O
Special Topics; Nutritional Aspects of Metabolic Disease
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, Aud
Prequisite: CHEM131 and ANSC101, BSCI105; or equivalent.

Biochemical and physiological fundamentals of nutrition. Discussion of protein, fat, carbohydrate, energy, minerals, and vitamins and their roles and interrelationships in nutrition, metabolism, and diseases in humans and animals. The course will use recommended texts for foundation.
ANSC688W
Special Topics; Advanced Animal Welfare
Credits: 1 - 4
Grad Meth: Reg, Aud
ANSC699
(Perm Req)
Special Problems in Animal Science
Credits: 1 - 2
Grad Meth: Reg, Aud
Contact department for information to register for this course.
ANSC799
Master's Thesis Research
Credits: 1 - 6
Grad Meth: S-F
Contact department for information to register for this course.
ANSC898
Pre-Candidacy Research
Credits: 1 - 8
Grad Meth: Reg
Contact department for information to register for this course.
ANSC899
(Perm Req)
Doctoral Dissertation Research
Credits: 6
Grad Meth: S-F
Contact department for information to register for this course.